How Social Connections and Feelings Affect Smoking in Cancer Patients

Longitudinal mixed method investigation of social networks and affective states as determinants of smoking behavior among cancer patient

NIH-funded research Yale University · NIH-11138646

This project explores how a person's feelings and social connections influence their smoking habits after a cancer diagnosis.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project IDNIH-11138646 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Many cancer patients continue to smoke, even though quitting is crucial for their health and survival. A cancer diagnosis can be very emotional, and some patients use tobacco to cope with negative feelings. This project will look closely at how these emotions, along with the influence of friends and family (social networks), impact smoking behavior in cancer patients. We aim to understand why some patients struggle to quit and how their diagnosis might even affect the smoking habits of those around them.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are cancer patients aged 21 or older who currently smoke, particularly those with tobacco-related cancers and a history of difficulty quitting.

Not a fit: Patients who do not smoke or have already successfully quit smoking may not directly benefit from this particular research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more effective support programs and personalized strategies to help cancer patients quit smoking, improving their health and extending their lives.

How similar studies have performed: This project aims to fill a gap in current knowledge by specifically examining the interplay of social networks and affective states on smoking behavior in cancer patients, suggesting a novel approach in this context.

Where this research is happening

New Haven, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome VirusCancer CenterCancer PatientCancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.